Carolinas HealthCare System News

Healthcare Providers Busy at Democratic National Convention

Hundreds of people benefitted from presence of care teams

Sept. 11, 2012 – Medical teams that were present in Uptown Charlotte treated 475 Democratic National Convention delegates, guests, law enforcement officers and others during the week of the DNC. Care provision began Sunday, Sept. 2 and was demobilized early Friday. Carolinas HealthCare System provided numerous emergency and other clinicians to staff the various units.

Carolinas MED-1, the CHS-owned mobile hospital, was stationed immediately outside the Arena and on-site teams, staffed jointly with Presbyterian Novant Health, were located inside Time-Warner Cable Arena and the Convention Center. In addition, care teams staffed by Medic, Mecklenburg County’s Emergency Medical Services agency, moved on foot and by bicycles throughout the Uptown area providing care, and staffed ambulances were strategically placed.

“Our goal was to be prepared for any contingencies and thankfully there were no serious illnesses or injuries,” said Dr. David Callaway, medical director of Carolinas MED-1. “We know that those who did receive care were treated compassionately and efficiently. Delegates were able to return quickly to the convention and first responders to return to their posts.”

In addition to the on-site and medical care, CHS inpatient and outpatient facilities treated approximately 100 people who were in Charlotte for the DNC.

“I think the partnership that assured quality care was close at hand made an important difference for convention goers and others who visited our city,” said Dr. Roger Ray, Chief Medical Officer of Carolinas HealthCare System. “It was just one part of a great community effort that allowed Charlotte to shine as the host city for the Democratic National Convention.”